The Effect Of Exercise Training On Cardiopulmonary Function Of Elderly Patients With Coronary Heart Disease During Different Stages Of Rehabilitation

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of exercise training on cardiopulmonary function of coronary heart disease(CHD) patients during different stages of rehabilitation, and to explore the benefits of participating in rehabilitation training as soon as possible. This information will establish theoretical basis for developing cardiac rehabilitation, and so to help patients improve their life quality better and faster.Methods: Sixteen CHD patients with early discharge from hospital(Early discharge group) and 21 CHD patients who discharged from hospital for 3 months but did not participate in rehabilitation(Late discharge group) performed a graded exercise test on a motorized treadmill(modified Bruce protocol) during which time the physical ability and cardiopulmonary function of the patients were examined and a 12 lead electrocardiogram(ECG) was monitored continuously. Following this a 12 week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program was undertaken. Each subject was then retested using the same protocol.Result: 1. Variables measured pre and post program in Early diacharge group:At stage Ⅳof the exercise test, the aerobic working capacity including HR, METs, RPE, depression of ST and VO2/HR decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01)post program compared with those measured pre grogram.At the maximal performance, the peak value of HR, METs, VO2/HR measured post program were significantly higher(P<0.01) than those measured pre program.2. Variables measured pre and post program in Late diacharge group: At stage of the test, the aerobic working capacity Ⅳ including HR, METs, RPE, depression of ST, VO2/HR decreased significantly(P<0.01)post programcompared with those measured pre program.At the maximal performance, the peak value of HR, METs, VO2/HR measured post program were significantly higher(P<0.01) than those measured pre program. 3. Variables measured pre program in Early diacharge group and Late diacharge group:At stage of the test,Ⅳ the aerobic working capacity including HR, METs, RPE, depression of ST, VO2/HR of Early diacharge group were higher than those of Late diacharge group, but the difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significant level.At the maximal performance, there was a non significant difference between the two groups for the peak value of aerobic working capacity. 4. Variables measured post program in Early diacharge group and pre program in Late diacharge group:At stage of the test,Ⅳ the aerobic working capacity including HR, METs, RPE, depression of ST, VO2/HR measured post program in Early diacharge group were significantly lower than those measured pre program in Late diacharge group(P<0.05).At the maximal performance, the peak value of HR, METs, VO2/HR measured post program in Early diacharge group were significantly higher than those measured pre program in Late diacharge group(P<0.01). 5. Variables measured post program in Early diacharge group and Late diacharge group:At stage Ⅳof the test, the aerobic working capacity including HR, VO2/HR, RPE, depression of ST of Early diacharge group were higher than those of Late diacharge group, but the difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significant level.At the maximal performance, there was a non significant difference between the two groups for the peak value of aerobic working capacity.6. The percentage increase of aerobic working capacity in the two groups post program:The improvement of HR, METs, VO2/HR in the Early diacharge group were were significantly higher than those in Late diacharge group(P<0.05).There was a non significant difference between the two groups for improvement of RPE and the depression of ST. 7. The percentage increase of recovery capability after exercise in the two groups post program.The improvement of recovery capability including HR, METs, VO2/HR, RPE, the depression of ST in the Early diacharge group were significantly higher than those in Late diacharge group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion: 1. By participating in rehabilitation program, the patients with coronary heart disease could both enhance their cardiopulmonary function, and improve their ischemia condition.2. The earlier the patients participate in rehabilitation program, the earlier they could obtain the benefit from the recovery. Furthermore, they could gain greater improvement in cardiopulmonary function compared with those participating in rehabilitation at the late stage.